What are fibroids?
Fibroids are tough balls of muscle that form in the uterus.
The uterus, also called the womb, is the part of the woman’s body that holds a baby if she is pregnant.
People sometimes refer to fibroids as “tumors.” But fibroids are not a form of cancer. They are simply abnormal growths in the muscle of the uterus.
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
Fibroids often cause no symptoms at all. When they do cause symptoms, they can cause:
- Heavy periods
- Pain, pressure, or a feeling of “fullness” in the belly
- The need to urinate often
- Too few bowel movements (constipation)
- Difficulty getting pregnant
How are fibroids treated?
There are several treatment options. Each option has its own pros and cons.
The right treatment for you will depend on:
- The symptoms you have
- Your age (because most fibroids shrink or stop causing symptoms after menopause)
- Whether you are done having children
- Whether your fibroids cause so much bleeding that you have a condition called anemia
- The size, number, and location of your fibroids
- How you feel about the risks and benefits of the different options
If you are thinking about treatment, ask your doctor or nurse which treatments might help you. Then ask what the risks and benefits of those options are. Ask, too, what happens if you do not have treatment. And be sure to mention whether or not you would like to have children.
Dr. Gorelick has extensive expertise in performing hysterectomies for a fibroid uterus of any size or complexity. Most of these can be performed via a minimally invasive approach, but in certain cases a traditional open surgery (laparotomy) is indicated. If the best treatment option happens to be non-surgical, you will be referred to the appropriate expert, where such treatment can be started.